The study investigates FM signal propagation and path loss at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, specifically focusing on the 93.1 MHz frequency. By employing the Longley-Rice irregular terrain model, the research correlates predicted transmission losses with actual field measurements, leading to the development of a contour map illustrating signal strength in the surrounding areas. The findings suggest that the model can effectively aid in spectrum management and improving FM signal reception in regions with low signal quality.

1. IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)
e-ISSN: 2278-2834,p- ISSN: 2278-8735.Volume 6, Issue 3 (May. - Jun. 2013), PP 04-09
www.iosrjournals.org
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Determination of Propagation Path Loss and Contour Map for
FUTA FM Radio Federal University of Technology, Akure
Nigeria
Oyetunji S.A.
Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria
Abstract: FM signal propagation through the troposphere interacts with the terrain as obstacles and reflection
planes. To understand the degree of interaction, signal strength measurements of the 93.1MHz frequency
modulated Radio located at Federal University of Technology; Akure, Nigeria was carried out in the area
surrounding the station. The paper reviews the various models for predicting transmission loss and employed
the long rice irregular terrain model for its versatility for the study. The losses along the paths were determined
and this was compared with the path loss predicted by the irregular terrain model and this was highly
correlated. The result offers useful data for developing the contour map of the propagation loss which was
developed for the station. It was concluded that with the irregular terrain model predictions can be used for
accurate spectrum management in Nigeria.
Keywords: Signal Strength, Transmission Loss, Terrain, Spectrum Management.
I. Introduction
Frequency Modulation (FM) conveys information over a carrier wave by varying its frequency. The
broadcast band falls within the VHF part of the radio spectrum usually 87.5 MHz to 108.0 MHz. The FM signal
propagation through the troposphere interacts with the terrain as obstacles and reflection planes [1]. Thus, the
location of a Transmitter for radio communication in any locality depends on a number of considerations such as
altitude, latitude, longitude and centrality to coverage area [2]. This study investigates the correlation of signal
strength predicted by the Longley-Rice model with field measurements at different locations. The study was
carried out in a frequency modulated (FM) radio station located at Federal University Technology, Akure,
Nigeria. Signal strength refers to the magnitude of the electric field at a reference point that is a significant
distance from the transmitting antenna. Typically, it is expressed in decibels (dB). Mathematically, signal
strength is calculated as [3];
Signal strength = EIRP – FSL + RX Antenna gain – Coaxial cable loss (1)
Where EIRP is the Effective Isotropically Radiated Power, in watts (W), FSL is the Free Space Loss,
in decibels (dB), RX Antenna gain is the Gain of receiving antenna, in decibels (dB)
Factors affecting signal strength include:
1. The transmitting power of the transmitter.
2. The Directivity or Gain of the antenna.
3. The Effective or Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) of the signal.
4. The Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of the signal.
5. The presence of thick forest, large vegetation or plantation.
6. Accidental radiators.
7. Reflections from other nearby antennas, mast or transmitters.
8. Lightning and fading.
9. Presence of tall building or skyscrapers.
10. Changes in atmospheric conditions.
1.1 MECHANISM OF RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION
Ground waves exist only for vertical polarization, produced by vertical antennas when the transmitting
and receiving antennas are close to the surface of the earth. The transmitted radiation induces currents in the
earth‟s surface being attenuated according to the energy absorbed by the conducting earth [5]. Ground wave
propagation is common for frequencies of a few MHz. Sky wave propagation is mainly dependent on reflection
from the ionosphere, a region above earth‟s surface of ratified air that is the ionosphere. The ionosphere is
responsible for long distance communication in the high frequency band between 3 and 30MHz, but it is very
dependent on time of day, season, longitude on the earth [5]. It makes possible, long-range communication
using very low power transmitters. The most important propagation mechanism for short-range communication
on the VHF and UHF bands is that which occurs in an open field, where the received signal is a vector sum of a

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direct line-of-sight signal and as signal from the same source that is reflected off the earth [6]. This shows that
there exist a relationship between signal strength and range in line-of-sight and open field topographies. For this
free-space case, the signal strength, E decreases in inverse proportion to the distance away from the transmitter
antenna which is derived by [6]:
d
GP
E
tt30
 (2)
Where: Pt is the Transmitter power (Watts), Gt is the Transmitter Antenna gain, d is the distance. The received
power (Pr) is given by:
2
2
)4(
Pr
d
PtGtGr


 (3)
Where: λ is the Wavelength and Gr is the Receiver Antenna gains.
It is very important to take into consideration the field strength versus distance for open field propagation. As
the range increases, the signal strength followed an Inverse Square Law [7]. The propagation of radio waves is
influenced by a lot of factors which are frequency dependent. These include:
(a) Curvature of the earth terrain
(b) The dielectric and resistivity constant of the earth and sea.
(c) Troposphere absorption
1.2 MODELS FOR PREDICTING RADIO PROPAGATION LOSS
Various models have been developed for predicting the propagation of radio signal in the atmosphere
[8]. These models considered factors limiting the propagation of radio waves and are useful in the
determination of the primary and secondary coverage areas for Broadcasting Stations [9]. A station‟s coverage
map is an essential ingredient in comparing the station‟s predicted signal strength with the actual measured
values. Some of the prediction models are discussed below.
1.2.1 LONGLEY-RICE MODEL
In January 1, 1967, the American National Bureau of Standards published Technical Note 101, [10] on
propagation treatise that is being referred to as the “Longley-Rice Model”. The Longley-Rice Model considers
atmospheric absorption including atmospheric absorption by water vapour and oxygen, loss due to sky-noise
temperature and attenuation caused by rain and clouds. It considers terrain roughness, ground reflections, knife-
edge, loss due to isolated obstacles, diffraction, forward scatter and long-term power fading in its pre-defined
signal level representations. It is usually used for calculating coverage areas and interference for broadcasting
stations. The model predicts long-term median transmission loss. The model was designed for frequencies
between 20 MHz to 40 GHz and for path lengths between 1Km to 2,000 Km. The Longley-Rice Model requires
the input of certain general parameters so as to set-up the programme for propagation calculations. These
parameters include: Frequency; Effective Radiated Power; Antenna Direction; Heights; Polarization;
Refractivity; Permittivity; Conductivity; Variability and Climate
1,2,2 OKUMURA PROPAGATION MODEL
The basic Okumura Model uses the height above average terrain to calculate path loss and it does not
consider specific terrain obstacles, a set of equations have been provided for the computer use of Okumura
Model Predictions [11]. The Okumura model for Urban Areas is a Radio Propagation Model that was built
using the data collected in the city of Tokyo, Japan. Okumura model was built into three modes which are
urban, suburban and open areas. The frequency range of Okumura Model is between 200MHz and 1,900MHz
[12] and it is mathematically expressed as:
 correctionBGMGMUFSL KHHALL (4)
where,
L = The median path loss unit: Decibel (dB)
LFSL = The free space loss unit: Decibel (dB)
AMU = Median attenuation unit: Decibel (dB)
HMG = Mobile station antenna height gain factor.
HBG = Base station antenna height gain factor.
Kcorrection = Correction factor gain (such as type of environment, water surfaces, isolated obstacle etc.)

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1.2.3 INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION (ITU-RP 1546-1)
The ITU Model is widely used in Europe and Central America [13]. The model developed field
strength predictions for terrestrial sources in the 30MHz to 3,000MHz frequency range [13]. It used a set of
propagation curves that are based on measurement data mainly relating mean climatic conditions in temperature
climates. The model considers the transmitter height above average terrain, the receiver antenna height and
incorporates a correction for terrain clearance angle when making field strength predictions.
1.2.4 COST-231 PROPAGATION MODEL
This model uses the (Height Above Average Terrain) HAAT along each radial to determine the
attenuation based on the following [14](ITU, 1998):
Path Loss (dB):- CdHHf  )log()]log(55.69.44[)log(82.13)log(9.333.46 (5)
Where: f is the Frequency (MHz); d is the distance between base station and receiver; H is the HAAT in the
direction of the receiver (m); C is the environmental Correction factor (dB). This model impalements the cost-
231/HATA version of COST – 231 Propagation Model. The HATA correction for receiver height and frequency
is then applied for the attenuation.
1.2.5 TIREM MODEL
TIREM stands for Terrain Integrated Rough Earth Model [13]. This model with Tech Note 101 base
but has been modified over the years to make up for believed inaccuracies in the Longley-Rice Model. These
techniques considered factors/components such as free-space spreading, reflection, diffraction, surface-wave,
tropospheric-scattering and atmospheric absorption to arrive at the path loss. As opposed to Longley-Rice,
TIREM has built-in routines for evaluating radio paths over sea water. TIREM is used by the US Department of
Defense. However, as a proprietary model, it is less attractive.
II. Justification
This research work was embarked upon to establish the following:
a) to know their actual coverage area as compared to the specified value.
b) to establish the level of compliance with the National broadcasting Commission (NBC)
regulation;
c) to reveal places with poor signal quality and suggest possible solutions on improvement
d)
2.1 FUTA RADIO 93.1 FM IN BRIEF
Futa FM 93.1 commenced broadcast operation on the 19th
of November, 2010. The station was issued a
Community Radio licensed by the National Broadcasting Commission for teaching, research and community
development. Table 1 shows the technical parameter of the station [4].
Table 1.0: List of technical parameters of the radio station
PARAMETER VALUE
Frequency of operation 93.1 fm
Frequency Bandwidth 200 kHz
Transmitting Power (TX Power) 250W
Effective Isotropically Radiated Power
(EIRP)
500W
Maximum Deviation 295 kHz
Antenna Gain 1.93 dB
Antenna Directivity 1.56 dB
Antenna Polarization
Horizontal or 900
to the
vertical
Antenna type/ model Yagi-Uda antenna
Maximum Height of antenna / mast 48.768m
Number of antennas installed Seven (7)
Coverage Area 25km (25000m)

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III. Methodology
The methodology adopted includes the following:
a. segmentation of the coverage area into eight (8) different sectors for measurement of signal strength,
longitude and latitude,
b. point-to-point measurements for determining the signal strength at different locations using a GPS
Receiver and Digital Signal Strength Meter;
c. collection of relevant information about the station under consideration as presented in table 3;
d. development of coverage contour map for the station under consideration
3.1 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
Four locations marked out to be visited were Ondo town, Owo town, Ilesha and Ikere-Ekiti. These
locations were chosen because of their geographical positions which represent the South-Western part; the
North-Western part, the South-Eastern and Northern part of Akure. These locations provide an adequate
estimation of Futa radio signal strength on all sides. The equipments used in the acquisition of data are:
1. A Digital Signal Level Meter (GILBERIT, GE - 5499)
2. A GPS (Global Positioning System) Receiver (UBLOX ANTARIS 4)
3. Laptop Computer
4. Laptop Computer
5.
The collected data includes the following:
Geographical Cordinates: comprises the Latitude, Longitude and Elevation of the points. This data was
provided by the ANTARIS GPS Device.
SIGNAL STRENGTH: the strength of the Futa 93.1 fm radio station signal as indicated by the digital signal
level meter device at the various points.
DISATANCE ITM: this is the distance,
Along the line-of-sight, between the transmitter and a point as provided by the ITM software.
Figure 1.0 geographical map of Ondo showing the locations visited.
IV. Data Presenttation And Analysis Of Results
Three softwares were used in the analysis of the results and values obtained. They are the Surfer 8
software, Irregular terrain Model and Microsoft excel. ITM estimates radio propagation losses over irregular
terrain. It is an improved version of the Longley-Rice Model which gives an algorithm developed for computer
applications [15]. The output is a list of estimated transmission losses for specifies values of reliability and
confidence levels. For this project work, the Point-to-Point prediction mode was used because the specific value
of each location was known. The comparison of the measured and predicted is shown in Figure 2.

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Figure 2 Comparison of the basic transmission losses
The contour map generated from the Latitude, Longitude and Signal strength values at the various locations is
as shown Figure 3.
LONGITUDE (°N)
FIGURE 3.0 – the contour map of Ondo, Ilesha, Owo and Ado-Ekiti.
The map in Figure 2 shows the distribution of the signal across Akure and its environs. The red colored
regions shows the areas with very strong signal strength, the green areas are for locations with less strong signal
strengths while the yellow region is for locations with the least signal strengths. The middle region is Akure
where the radio station transmitter is located and from the contour map it is obvious that the signal strength is
high at the middle region. The overlay of the geographical map and the contour map for the same coverage area
having maximum value of (7.09456, 4.81809) to (7.606518, 5.498938) is shown in Figure. This value was used
in order to get the exact locations of the coverage area and for proper overlay of both maps.
LONGITUDE (°N)
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Measurement Point
TransmissionLoss(dB)
Measured
Predicted
7.22 7.24 7.26 7.28 7.3 7.32 7.34 7.36 7.38
5.04
5.06
5.08
5.1
5.12
5.14
5.16
5.18
5.2
5.22
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
78
80
82
7.22 7.24 7.26 7.28 7.3 7.32 7.34 7.36 7.38
5.04
5.06
5.08
5.1
5.12
5.14
5.16
5.18
5.2
5.22
KEY
LATITUDE(°E)
LATITUDE(°E)

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Figure 4.1 – an overlay of the contour map on the terrain map
Figure 4.0 – an overlay of the contour map on the geographical map
The overlay of the geographical map and the contour map for the same range of values or coverage
area is shown in Figure .The geographical map was derived using the Longitude, Latitude and elevation of the
land at the various locations while the contour map was gotten from the Latitude, Longitude and Signal strength
of the Signals at the various locations. The contour map indicates the magnitude of the signal strength by the
distance between consecutive lines or curves.
V. Conclusion
It was observed that the signal was strongest along the Ondo town axis. The route to Ado-Ekiti had the
lowest signal strength observed while Owo and Ilesha had an average signal strength value. With the analysis of
the readings obtained, the antennas should be repositioned to enhance the reception along Ado-Ekiti and keep
the signal within the coverage area.
Acknowledgement
The contribution of Late Engr. (Dr) Alowolodu Kehinde Ezekiel, my research partner and brother,
is appreciated.. He will forever be remembered. His work lingers on…
References
[1] A. F. Bruce, “RF Basis: Radio Propagation” 2008,www.connectos.com/spix/rd/gi/nme.
[2] George, A. G., Rice, P. L., Norton, K. A and Barsts, A. P., “Transmission loss Prediction for tropic communication circuits T ech.
Note 101” U.S. Government Printing Office 1967 http://www.softwright.com/faq/engineering/prop_longley_rice.html
[3] Longley Rice
[4] Harry W, “Field Prediction in Irregular Terrain”, 2002, http://www.fcc.gov/oet/fm/ptp/report.pdf
[5] D. John, and D. G Smith., „‟Telecommunication Engineering” London 1997.
[6] T. S. Rappaport, “Wireless Communications Principles and Practice” Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. 1996
[7] J. S Seybold,., (2005) “Introduction to RF propagation”, Wiley
[8] J. Klima and Mozucha Marian‟‟ Influence of Terrain on Multipath Propagation of FM‟‟, Signal journal of Electrical Engineering,
VOL56 NO 5-6 pp. 113-120,2005
[9] R. Grosskopf, „‟Field Strength Prediction in the VHF and UHF Range Including Multipath‟‟, Propagation, Proc. 7th
International
Conference on Antennas and Propagation (ICAP 1991), York Conference Publication, 333, vol 2,pp. 965-967, London 1991.
[10] N. Blaunstern, et al. ,‟‟Characteristics Prediction in Urban and suburban Environment‟‟, IEEE Trans. Veh. Technol, Vol(47) pp 225-
234,1998
[11] ITU-R Propagation over Irregular Terrain with and without Vegetation, Report 1145, Geneva (CD), 2000
[12] ITU-R Propagation Statistics Required for Broadcasting Services Using the Frequency Range 30 to1000 MHz, Rec. 616, Rep 239-6,
Geneva (CD), 2000
[13] ITU-R VHF and UHF Propagation Curves for Land Mobile Services, Rec. 529, Report 567-3, Geneva (CD), 2000
[14] Gibson, J.D. (1996) “The mobile Communications handbook” CRC Press Inc
7.22 7.24 7.26 7.28 7.3 7.32 7.34 7.36 7.38
5.04
5.06
5.08
5.1
5.12
5.14
5.16
5.18
5.2
5.22